Dennis Marshall

Dennis Lee Marshall (Tank) passed peacefully at home on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the age of 76. Denny was born June 4, 1947 to Ralph and Elaine Marshall and grew up in South Bend, Indiana. He was a proud man and will be remembered for his commanding presence, service to others, and love for his family.

Denny married his first wife, Phyllis, in 1965. They made their home in Michigan where they welcomed their first daughter, Christi, in April 1968. In the early 1970’s, Denny, Phyllis and Christi moved to Iowa for Denny to pursue his calling to the ministry at Faith Baptist Bible College. Denny ultimately chose a different career path by joining the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Denny and Phyllis welcomed their second daughter, Angela, in April 1978.

Denny married the love of his life, Cindy, in September 1987. Upon their union they created a blended family of four daughters: Christi, Angela, Jessica, and Erica. In August 1988, the family was completed with the birth of daughter, Lauren.

Throughout his 27-year career with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Denny served as jailer, patrolman, detective, and sergeant. He took pride as a public servant with his passion for bringing comfort and justice to victims of crime. He was integral in the utilization of DNA as a tool for gaining convictions. Along with his work for the Sheriff’s Office, he also devoted more than 10 years to the committee for Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics of Iowa serving as the Torch Run Director during his tenure. One of the many highlights during this time was being selected from 189 law officers to be a torch bearer of the 1987 International Summer Special Olympics Games, running on a relay team that carried the torch on a three-day, 200-mile trip from Chicago’s Soldier Field (Go Bears!) to the University of Norte Dame (Go Fighting Irish!).

Denny’s greatest joy was his family. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Tara, Hunter, Clayton, Caden, Chase, Carsen, Davin, Mason, Ryker, and Kyler; and 3 great grandchildren: Cooper, Gabriela, and Lynlee. He enjoyed snuggling the babies while they slept and teasing them as they grew older. During the past couple of years, his favorite furry companions, Ivy and Oaklee, were always by his side.

Denny is survived by his wife of 37 years, Cindy; daughters Christi (Troy) Longnecker, Angela (Isaac) Broich, Jessica (Justin) Butler, Erica (Mike) Ricks, Lauren (Brent) Baade; grandchildren Tara (Brandon) Mannhardt, Hunter (Carissa) Longnecker, Clayton Broich, Caden (Blanca) Broich, Chase McLeish, Carsen Broich, Davin Butler, Mason Ricks, Ryker Butler, and Kyler Ricks; and great grandchildren Cooper Mannhardt, Gabriela Broich-Bernal, and Lynlee Mannhardt. He is also survived by his siblings Kathy Martin, Cheri (Carl) Baushke, Sonya Marshall (John), Rebecca (Charles) Cox, and Michael (Candy) Marshall and many nieces and nephews.

Denny was greeted in Heaven by his unborn grandchild, Baby Baade, whom went home to our Lord and Savior in February 2017.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Following the celebration, there will be a 4:00 p.m. funeral service held at the funeral home.

All memorial contributions will be donated by the family to Special Olympics of Iowa in honor of Denny.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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